by Frank Pritchett '88 '92
Recently, I had the honor of attending the birthday celebration of our oldest living alum – Mrs. Maynard Griggs Brown ’55. Don’t let the class year fool you into guessing her age – that strategy will fall short. She turned 105 and her special day and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the celebration. Spry, attentive, witty and sharp as a tack, she is a retired educator, having spent 43 years teaching in Fayette County. She is beloved by her community and her alumni association.
With small children, Mrs. Brown lost her husband and had to seek a career so she could provide for her family. Enter West Georgia and the College of Education. She earned her degree and the rest, as they say, is history. Two of her children became legacies at UWG. When we visited her, she recited a poem that she learned in the 1920s so that she could qualify for her school’s honor roll. She didn’t miss a word or consonant. Brilliant!
As we prepared to say goodbye, she held close to the hand of Dotti Green ’75 and said – I want y’all to come back when it’s just us. Mrs. Brown, it will be our honor to visit once more and learn more from your remarkable legacy.
Frank Pritchett is the director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving.
